Mukul Choudhary Credits MS Dhoni as Inspiration After Match-Winning 54 in LSG’s Final-Ball Thriller vs KKR
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) batter Mukul Choudhary delivered a sensational match-winning performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL), smashing 54 off 27 balls to guide his team to a dramatic three-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on the final ball of the match.
The young finisher showcased remarkable composure under pressure, striking seven sixes and two fours in a blistering innings that turned the game on its head. His efforts were instrumental in helping LSG chase down a challenging target in a tense finish at the death.
A finishing masterclass under pressure
Choudhary’s knock stood out not only for its power but also for its timing. Walking into a high-pressure situation, he anchored the chase while accelerating at the perfect moment to keep LSG in contention.
One of the defining aspects of the chase was a crucial 50-run partnership with Avesh Khan. The duo’s unbeaten 54-run stand became the highest partnership for the eighth wicket or lower in a successful IPL chase. While Choudhary contributed 52 of those runs, Avesh Khan held firm at the other end with a calm 1*(3), helping steer LSG over the line in a final-ball finish.
Dhoni inspiration behind Mukul’s finishing mindset
After the match, Choudhary opened up about his admiration for former India captain MS Dhoni, crediting the legendary finisher as a major influence on his batting approach.
“I always look up to MS Dhoni because I am also a finisher. I always look up to him. His helicopter shot, which is very iconic, is my favourite. The way he led India in the 2011 World Cup, everybody remembers it. I want to be like him and finish off matches and help my team win,” Choudhary said on JioHotstar.
His admiration for Dhoni reflects in his calm approach at the crease, especially in high-pressure situations where finishing ability becomes crucial.
A breakthrough IPL moment
Choudhary’s innings against KKR marked one of the standout performances of IPL 2026 so far. His fearless hitting in the final overs not only secured a crucial win for LSG but also established him as a rising finisher in the league.
With seven sixes and a match-defining partnership under pressure, the young batter demonstrated both power and maturity beyond his experience.
A new finisher in the making
As LSG continue their campaign, Mukul Choudhary’s emergence as a reliable finisher adds significant depth to their batting lineup. Inspired by MS Dhoni’s legacy, he appears determined to carve out his own identity as a player who thrives in crunch moments.
If this performance is any indication, LSG may have found a long-term match-winner capable of delivering in the most intense situations—just like the man he idolises.
